Narrow defeat in Cork JCFC

Araglin 1-5 Freemount 1-7

Araglin’s participation in the football championship for 2020 ended in Castletownroche last Sunday afternoon, following a two point defeat to Freemount.

The competition in question, the Cork county JCFC, is reserved for smaller clubs and, in the end analysis, the commitment and heart of our boys couldn’t be questioned. Ultimately, it’s all about putting scores on the board and in tough conditions, we found these all important scores hard to come by.

Aided by a stiff breeze, it was Freemount who started the brighter and played the better football. Before the water break, our opponents had rattled off 1-2, while a pointed free from Gus was our return. Freemount were the dominant force and we would have been further behind if it wasn’t for a well taken goal by Aaron Hegarty on the stroke of half-time - Freemount 1-5, Araglin 1-1. The only change in personnel at the interval was the introduction of PJ Aherne for Tom Feeney, who gave his all, but wasn’t feeling the best.

Despite being in arrears, both team and management felt we were very much in the game and an early pointed free from Gus, brought the deficit down to 3 points - with plenty time left, it was very much game on. Dave Browne, who was very closely marked, was showing well for the ball and, displaying good control and balance, he fashioned a nice score to make it a two point game. Things were to get even better when, Aaron, who played well, set up Gus, whose shot went over the bar.

There was now only a single point between the teams, critically, we couldn’t get to parity and never led over the hour. If the team had performed below par in the North Cork semi-final against Shanballymore, everyone of our boys stood up on this occasion. Paul Hickey, Keelan Condon, Tommy Feeney (before going off) and Ben Carey were all very solid. Shay, at midfield, led by example while Paul Hynes, Jack Kearney and Aaron Hegarty always threatened - in Aaron’s case, it was one of his best games for a long time and no doubt, there’s more in the tank. Gus and Dave Browne chipped in with scores, while Paddy Kenneally didn’t leave the side down. Indeed, on a day when some of our kick passing left a lot to be desired, Paddy was one of our more composed and accurate players.

At the second half water break, there was plenty optimism that we could get on top of Freemount and break their resistance. Our opponents responded to this challenge and, despite losing a man to injury, they dug in, held their shape and repelled our attacks. As the game entered its final phase, things were still very much in the melting pot. Coach, Tony White and his selectors, John O’Brien and Peter O’Loughlin, freshened things up by introducing Cain O’Mahony for Paddy Kenneally. Sean Hegarty, who gave a good account of himself from start to finish, was caught up in an altercation, that resulted in him and his opponent being yellow carded.

Every ball was being fiercely contested and there was no backing down from an Araglin perspective. Paul Hynes, also stepped up to the plate when the going got tough, however, in a slight lapse in concentration, he was penalised for picking the ball off the ground. On several occasions, the ball whizzed around the Araglin goalmouth and it took some brave and decisive goalkeeping from Mark to keep Freemount at bay.

With time running out, there was still time for more drama as Dooner and a Freemount player collided in the middle of the field. Dooner, who came off the worst, had to leave the field to be treated for a blood injury, Seamie O’Gorman came in. Thanks to some medical handywork by first aider, Brendan Carey, Dooner was able to go back on and as usual, he gave everything for the cause. As the game slipped into added time, this contest was still in the balance, but we created no clear cut chances. With Freemount still two points to the good, there was still time for another twist, when they were awarded a penalty. Mark Hickey, who came in for some criticism in the aftermath of the now infamous Shanballymore semi-final, stood his ground and using an outstretched leg, brought off a fine save. Like a lot of his team-mates, Mark played very well last Sunday.

Eventually, time ran out and a two point defeat was to be our lot. Winning, as we know, is everthing in sport and everyone was understandably downbeat at the final whistle.

Standing back and looking at the Araglin performance, you would have to say that we saw tremendous commitment and absolute effort. Some of the basic skills of game, accurate kick passing in particular, did leave us down along with that all important ‘final pass’ into the forward line.

In a game when, you had to grit your teeth and fight for every ball, special mention must go to Liam Keane, who has been in and out of teams since the start of the year. A few small things went against Liam during the game, but overall, his do or die spirit shone through. Well done to him and everyone involved last Sunday. This defeat ends our football involvement for 2020.

Team, scorers and panel: Mark Hickey, Keelan Condon, Paul Hickey, Sean Hegarty, Tommy Feeney, Ben Carey, Shay Russell, Liam Keane, Paul Hynes, Jack Kearney, Tom Kenneally, Paddy Kenneally, Dave Browne (0-1), James Kearney (0-4/3f) and Aaron Hegarty (1-0). Subs used: PJ Aherne for Tommy Feeney and Cain O’Mahony for Paddy Kenneally. Temporary blood sub: Seamie O’Gorman for Tom Kenneally. Panel: David Neligan, Kevin Condon, Fionan Hickey and Nelius Kearney. Unavailable: Sean Motherway and Brendan Allen.

Referee: Mark Murphy (Bride Rovers).

LOTTO

Results from October 1. Numbers drawn 09, 10, 12 and 32. No winner. Lucky dips: €50 Tom Shanahan, Kilworth; €50 John O’Brien, Ballard; €25 Natalie Pierce, Kilworth and €25 Mike Griffin, c/o Fitzgerald Hurleys, Araglin.

Next lotto, tonight, Thursday, 8th October for a jackpot of €2,600.

SPECIAL WORD OF THANKS

The club are extremely grateful to two of our long standing sponsors, Araglin Auto Repairs (John Browne Sr. and Dave Browne) and Hegarty Fabrics (Geraldine Hegarty) for their generous contribution towards the cost of the very attractive tops that the club purchased recently. These garments look very well. They were supplied by Bill O’Flynn from Glanworth who owns and runs the clothing firm, Gospel Promotions.